We spent a number of days visiting the stunning coastal town of Albany and had an absolute blast exploring all that it had to offer. We stayed at Cosy Corner camp ground which is about 15 minutes out of Albany. We met some new people at cosy corner and the kids especially got along really well which was a bonus.
And it’s Al- bany not All- bany. Don’t ever pronounce it wrong!
First up, we visited the National Anzac Centre, which was an incredibly moving experience.
The National Anzac Centre in Albany is a truly remarkable museum that commemorates the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in World War I. The museum is situated on top of Mount Adelaide and overlooks King George Sound, which is where the first Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the war in 1914.
One of the most unique aspects of the museum is the way in which it tells the stories of individual soldiers. As you enter the museum, you’re given a “dog tag” with the name of a soldier who served in the war. As you progress through the museum, you learn about their life before the war, their experiences on the battlefield, and what happened to them after the war ended. It’s a really personal and moving way to connect with the soldiers and to understand the impact of the war on their lives.
The museum also features an impressive collection of artefacts from the war, including uniforms, weapons, and personal items that belonged to soldiers. One of the most moving exhibits is a recreation of a trench, complete with the sounds and smells of the battlefield. It really gives you a sense of what life was like for the soldiers who were fighting in the trenches.
The views from the museum are also absolutely stunning. From the top of Mount Adelaide, you can see King George Sound and the Albany port, as well as the surrounding hills and countryside. There is a number of great little walks to see the cannons and military equipment used during the war. It is very bushy scrub in some parts but Zach and I had a great time exploring all around the area. It’s a beautiful spot to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many soldiers during the war.
Overall, the National Anzac Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Albany or interested in Australian history. The personal stories, impressive collection of artefacts, and stunning location make it a truly unique and moving experience
Next, we checked out the Albany Whaling Station, which was one of the last operating stations in the world before it closed in 1978. It’s been transformed into a fantastic museum, where we learned all about the history of whaling in Australia and the impact it had on the local community. We also got to see some of the massive machinery used in the whaling industry up close, which was pretty incredible. Photos of the Whaling Station in full operation were mind blowing, with the entire site and surrounding ocean drenched in deep red blood.
We also couldn’t leave Albany without checking out the Gap and Natural Bridge formations. The rock bridge is a stunning natural formation that’s been formed by years of erosion, and the Gap is a breathtaking cliff face with waves crashing against it. We also took a stroll on the Skywalk, which is a suspended walkway that takes you out over the edge of the cliff face for some really incredible views.
We visited the local Free Reformed Church on Sunday morning. My Grandfather (Papa) was a member for many years and we have met so many lovely people connected with the church across the region.
Overall, we had an amazing time in Albany and would highly recommend it to anyone travelling through Western Australia. The history, natural beauty, and fantastic museums and attractions make it a must-visit destination.
